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Mercedes-Benz is closing in on the global launch of its all-new CLA sedan (due in early 2025) and in the final stages of pre-production testing has used it to set a new 24-hour distance record for an EV at the epic Nardò test track in southern Italy.
Covering no less than 3717km at an average speed of 155km/h, the pure-electric CLA poked Benz’s Stuttgart neighbour Porsche in the eye by bettering the previous record (3425km at 143km/h) set by the Taycan at the same 12.5km circular facility in 2019.
Mercedes-Benz has history at the Nardo Ring (as it’s officially called), in 1983 using three examples of the iconic 190E 2.3-16 to set a world record there, covering 50,000km in 2021 hours at an average speed of 248km/h.
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Underpinned by the three-pointed star’s all-new ‘MMA’ (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform, the CLA line-up will extend to a wagon later, with upcoming GLA and GLB small SUVs also planned to sit on the MMA matrix.
Previewed by the CLA-Class Concept unveiled at last year’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, the new CLA will be offered with a choice of pure battery electric (single- and dual-motor) drive as well as 2.0-litre, four-cylinder mild-hybrid internal combustion powertrains; the latter developed by Mercedes-Benz, Geely and Renault (through their recently established Horse Powertrain joint-venture).
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The recent record-breaking run saw the camouflaged CLA - a rear-wheel-drive, single motor example - run consistently at around 210km/h, as the speed project boffins determined (through computer simulation) was optimal for a balance between pace and battery depletion.
Stopping to recharge 40 times, the CLA’s battery was run down to 10 per cent charge and boosted to only 55 per cent capacity before getting back up to speed; again juggling the benefit of a brief 10 minute stop with the amount of energy taken on-board.
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Mercedes-Benz says these pre-record attempt calculations and experience during the run have delivered real-world benefits in allowing the car’s 800V electric architecture and high-speed chargers to interact more rapidly, further improving recharge times for the production vehicle.
Early projections point to the pure-electric CLA running an 82kWh battery, the 800-volt electricals, low drag body and efficient motors helping it deliver a Tesla Model 3-beating 750km (WLTP-rated) driving range.
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